Bonfire Night attacks on emergency crews
EMERGENCY services came under attack on Thursday evening as chaos unravelled in the city on Bonfire Night. Multiple investigations have now been launched as police and fire crews were called to a spate of anti- social incidents across Glasgow.
In Drumchapel, police responded to a car fire on Kendoon Avenue before their vehicle windscreen was smashed – resulting in an officer washing glass from his eye. He continued duty and one man was arrested.
Opposition councillors in the area have united to condemn the “preplanned” anti- social acts, warning it is only a matter of time “before somebody is killed”.
The Glasgow Times understands a crowd of up to at least 70 people were in the area before being dispersed by police where is has also been alleged two other cars were purchased by vandals for the use of setting alight.
Local Labour councillor Paul Carey said: “I have received a number of reports from constituents telling me the police and the fire service came under a viscous and planned attack by up to crowds of 70 plus – and this was not just kids and there appeared to be a number of adults involved too. This undoubtedly appears to be a pre- planned attack and will not be tolerated.
“Once again
I am asking the community to either call Crimestoppers or get in touch with your local councillors to help us identify these people before somebody gets seriously injured or killed.” Local SNP councillor, Malcom Balfour has asked residents with information into the incidents to come forward as he made calls for a ban on the sale of fireworks.
He said: “I ask is this what the people of Drumchapel really want? Further to this, a number of emergency vehicles were badly damaged at a cost to the taxpayer of thousands of pounds.
“We are calling for a ban on the sale of fireworks for all but organised public events.
“These attacks on not only our emergency services but also members of the public and animals cannot continue.
“It is surely only a matter of time until someone is badly injured or killed.”
Meanwhile, in the East officers faced violence on Street as youths launched in their direction.
On Glenisla Street, another officer was struck on the head with a firework. He was immediately treated for his injury at the scene and continued his shift.
A separate probe has also been launched into a “targeted attack” in Pollok, which saw two vehicles torched on Linthaugh Road.
The fires were extinguished by fire crews. Nobody was injured as a result of the incident.
Residents in Shawlands captured footage of what appeared to be a group of youths holding and throwing fireworks at each other and parked vehicles on Abbot Street and the surrounding areas
Police have confirmed patrols will continue in the over the weekend.
Local Green councillor Jon Molyneux said: “The scenes in Shawlands were disturbing, with people clearly putting themselves and others at risk.
“These shocking scenes, which happened despite a massive police and fire operation, demonstrate that action is needed urgently.
“These communities shouldn’t have to face the same issues again, so I’m calling on the Government to ensure new laws are in place by this time next year.”
Inquiries into each of the incidents to have taken place on Bonfire Night remain ongoing. Anybody with information on any of the attacks should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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